Michigan

Billups out tonight, questionable for Game 5

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Rodney Stuckey will start in place of Chauncey Billups, whose right hamstring injury hasn't healed to where he can return to the court. Billups, who suffered the injury less than four minutes into Detroit's 111-86 Game 3 loss on Wednesday, is hoping the hamstring will heal in time for him to play on Tuesday.

"With the progress I made up to this point, it at least makes me feel good that I have another three days," a disappointed Billups said moments ago. "But we'll see. That's what I'm shooting for."

And Pistons coach Flip Saunders was quick to dismiss the notion that he was being held out for any other reason than the injury.

"It wouldn't matter tonight if it was Game 7 of the NBA Finals or Game 4 of Orlando. His leg is just not ready," Saunders said. "He can't do anything to be effective. There's still too much soreness there. He's not ready to go."

Both Lindsey Hunter and Juan Dixon will be activated for tonight's game. Billups, Cheikh Samb and Amir Johnson will be on the inactive list.